SCHOLAR TESTIMONIALS
Chimeremma Agbodike "Meree"
I am a medical student at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and this is my third year with the MAWY team. The greatest impact MAWY has had on me has been through mentorship. Through sessions with our founder, Dr. Oluwadara, I’ve remained motivated and inspired to never settle for less. One quote from her that stuck with me is: “You must learn to overcome your feelings, because the body naturally wants ultimate comfort and the easy way out!” That really sank in. I realized my comfort zone would never stir up my full potential. I have to fight for my dream, even when I don’t feel like it. MAWY has taught me that the price of discipline is worth paying, and it’s a key value required to achieve great success. I also deeply appreciate that MAWY is a team built on high moral standards and strong values. We are taught to think smartly and tackle challenges with a systematic and optimistic approach.
Victory Abu "The Chef"
I am a student at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, studying Nutrition and Dietetics. Being a part of MAWY has been a truly transformative experience for me. MAWY has helped me navigate both personal and academic challenges with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Oluwadara has been an incredible source of support—constantly advising, educating, and encouraging me. She genuinely believes in my potential and continues to push me to grow beyond my comfort zone.
One aspect of MAWY that I deeply appreciate is the sponsorship. It provides not just financial support, but also direction, guidance, and skill development. This has played a significant role in my personal growth, and I am truly grateful.
Chukwuemeka Uduka "Dr. Chuks"
“Identify, Embrace, Engage, Overcome.” These four pillars of the MAWY Empowerment Approach have profoundly shaped how I view life. But when I was first inducted into MAWY shortly before entering university, I didn’t yet grasp what they truly meant.
In school, my biggest challenge was chemistry. I avoided it, hoping it would avoid me too. "Identify" was simple— I knew I didn’t like Chemistry. But “Embrace”? That was the hardest part. Embracing the challenge meant owning up not just to the mistakes I made, but also to the erroneous belief that the mistakes and wrong approaches were beyond my control. Adopting that mindset and facing that new reality was difficult. And when Chemistry responded with Es, my instinct was to run again. Through MAWY’s mentorship, I learned how to embrace my challenges. Little by little, I began to understand the concepts and eventually, I grew to enjoy the subject. Today, my lowest grade in Chemistry is a “B” and that is rare— a result I once believed to be impossible.
The most transformative part of this journey was the mentorship I received from Dr. Dara, as we fondly call her. She rekindled my passion for medicine and surgery at a time when I was ready to give up on those dreams. Together, we explored medical concepts and connected them to my coursework. These discussions helped me rediscover the "why" behind my studies, and reminded me that my dreams are still valid.
Her belief in me sparked a desire to support others the way she supported me. I began tutoring my peers and juniors in Maths and Science, using the same “Identify, Embrace, Engage, Overcome” framework. To my surprise, most of them were also stuck at the "Embrace" stage, just as I had been. But by sharing my experience, I was able to help many of them take responsibility and find their path forward.
I’m still on the journey to becoming a physician and a surgeon, and I know tougher challenges lie ahead— but I’m unafraid. MAWY has taught me to face life with courage and hope. Most of all, it has inspired in me a longing to give back and be a light to others, just as Dr. Dara was to me.
Favour Koko "Fave"
I am a student at Niger Delta University studying Medical Laboratory Science. Being a part of MAWY has truly been a life-changing experience. I used to be wary of challenges, often hoping they would simply go away. But through MAWY, I’ve learned that obstacles are a natural part of life—and more importantly, that we don’t run from them.
MAWY taught me to Identify, Embrace, Engage, and Overcome every challenge. This mindset has completely transformed the way I approach life. Instead of shying away, I now face challenges head-on, with confidence and determination. Thank you, MAWY.